Credits

Yes, it’s only the second issue, but don’t be surprised if this series shows up on a few Best Of lists come December.

This is one of those gateway series that is able to not only introduce newbies to the wonders of Star Wars, but also to the wonders of comics, and considering it’s a tidy 5 issue mini, it’ll make for an easy and enjoyable read in trade paperback form.

Series star Jahan Cross is an agent for the Empire; essentially working for Infernal Affairs, while his droid IN-GA 44 is his dutiful assistant. Following on from connections to the Stark family (perhaps Tony’s descendants?) from last month’s issue, the pair attend a party thrown by Ambassador Vorlin, with Cross masquerading as a diplomatic envoy. Cross does his best James Bond impression and manages to attract the women and anger the men of the powerfully rich Stark brood, while discovering exactly what happened to the deceased head of the household, industrialist Iaco Stark and just what the Iron Eclipse of the series’ title is.

Cross learns most of this information in the usual secret agent way, i.e, in a hot tub with Iaco’s amorous and talkative widow Dah’lis, but their brief romance has an unexpected ending and Cross is soon on the run.

More replete with dialogue than the previous issue, but just as intriguing and action packed, this is the kind of adventure that Star Wars does so well. It’s filled with exotic aliens, technology, and costume design and there’s a superb mix of danger and derring-do.

John Ostrander is an old hand at playing with George Lucas’ toys by now, but there’s a sense of freshness throughout these pages, thanks to the unique conceit of a secret agent who works for the Empire. There’s also a rather large cast here, but Ostrander manages to give each one a strong voice as they are introduced to Cross at the fancy soiree.

Roux’s pencils are light, fluid, and consistent and he conveys the splendor of the palatial surrounds with flair, while Cross’ getaway is the tense, action highlight of the tale.

Cross is a great protagonist; a suave, confident, and sure man who does what he needs to get the job done. I hope we see more of him once this series is over.